Energy Efficency

What Is Efficency

There are two ways of reducing the demand for energy – energy efficiency and energy conservation. Energy efficiency is providing the same service but using less energy: for example, energy-efficient lightbulbs use less energy to produce the same amount of light as non-efficient lightbulbs.

Reducing Consumption

Energy conservation is about not using as much energy: for example, switching off lights in your house when you are not using them.

Energy Efficency House

This is a new house that has been designed to be much more energy efficient so that it conserves energy. This is an example of resource conservation, whereby the aim is to not sure as much energy, rather than offsetting in the future.

A lot of heat escapes from houses through cracks and doors. Energy efficient housing aims to reduce this, thereby needing less heat to warm the house.

Congestion Charge

Transportation is responsible for over 20% of worldwide energy consumption, mainly from fossil fuels, and makes a significant contribution to air pollution. More sustainable transport uses less energy and improves the quality of life in the cities.

In London the congestion charge aims to make transport in the city more sustainable.

The London congestion charge is a fee charged on most motor vehicles operating within the Congestion Charge Zone in Central London between 07:00 and 18:00 Mondays to Fridays.

The money generated is used to improve public transport, like rail links and older London busses.

The Results:

Traffic congestion, accidents, and pollution levels have all been reduced.

There has been increased investment in public transport.

Bus services are more reliable.

Retail sales inside the congestion charging zone have increased.

What ways can people become more energy efficient in the home? Are there any problems with this?